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WOMEN'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE
I am very grateful to Mrs. J. M. Fisher, Centre Organizer of the
W.V.S. who has kindly submitted the following interesting report—
Darby and Joan Clubs
Three Darby and Joan Clubs in Beckenham and two Over 60's
Clubs in West Wickham are still running in the Borough. Of the
Beckenham Clubs, two are held on Tuesday and one on Thursday
from 1.45 to 4.15 p.m. Membership of the three Clubs in Beckenham
is about 500, and all the members are over 60 years of age. Tshe
membership fee is 1d., and a charge of 3d. is made for tea. Whist
Drives, Darts Matches and Raffles are held each week, and at last
two of the Clubs have talented choirs which entertain not only their
own members, but other organisations as well. A free library is
available to members and there are also plenty of magazines for
reading.
Spring and Autumn outings are arranged for the Club members
and in the winter visits are made to pantomimes and ice shows.
Members also have holidays at reduced rates—out of season—at the
seaside. A savings group is run for members who wish to save weekly
towards holidays, outings, etc.
The Clubs are subsidised by voluntary subscriptions. The two
Over 60's Clubs are run in West Wickham with an average membership
of 130/150.
Meals on Wheels
Meals are served twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays. The
service is run principally for the benefit of invalids and elderly people
who live alone and cannot cook for themselves. The meals are cooked
in the Centre by members of the W.V.S. Appeals for meals usually
come from Hospital Almoners, Doctors, and through the Darby and
Joan Clubs. An allowance towards the cost of transport is made
through the local and County authorities. Cost of the meals is subsidised
by voluntary funds, and those in need are only required to pay
a very small sum for the service. About 80 meals are served each week.
West Wickham Luncheon Club
Meals for this Luncheon Club are cooked by W.V.S. and only
a nominal charge is made. An average of 35 meals are served weekjy
in addition to an average of 16 Meals on Wheels three times a week.
Old People's Welfare
Visits are made to elderly people who live alone, and assistance
is given with regard to clothing which is supplied free on the authority
of the National Assistance Board, District Nurses, etc.
Through one of the Townswomen's Guilds we have been able to
start a fund to send a few old people away—the type of person who
doesn't want to go away en bloc with the Clubs. Last summer we were
able to send four away, and we hope to increase the number this year.
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